@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah January/February 2025 | Page 4

04 Hospitality

04 Hospitality

January-February . 2025

The true face of excellent hospitality

Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) honours eight more establishments with MFAR recognition for their exceptional Muslim-friendly services and facilities

A strategic move

ROYALE CHULAN Seremban is one of the establishments recently honoured with the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) in the Gold category by the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ). Its General Manager Abd Halim Md . Yusof stated that the MFAR recognition is more than just a certification ; it is a strategic investment that reflects the hotel ’ s commitment to catering to the Muslim travel market . He emphasised that it not only enhances credibility but also broadens market reach and aligns the property with global tourism trends , unlocking substantial potential for growth and revenue .

“ Adopting Muslim-friendly branding for our hotel group stemmed from strategic , market-driven , and cultural considerations . The internal stakeholders have been very supportive of this move to enhance revenue and diversify guest profiles . The Muslim guests feel their needs are recognised and catered to , which increases loyalty and positive word-of-mouth among the Muslim community , which fosters goodwill and stronger relationships . As for the investors and owners , they see a clear return on investment when occupancy rates improve , especially from markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia ; it
Abd Halim Md . Yusof .
enhances the reputation as an innovative and inclusive brand ,” Halim elaborated .
“ We ensured our halal certification was in order , then we upgraded our prayer facilities and amenities by providing more prayer mats and invited Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Sembilan
LOCATED in the Lake Garden district , the heart of Negeri Sembilan ’ s capital , Royale Chulan Seremban is a 4-star suburban retreat that ensures guests experience ultimate comfort with its outstanding amenities and accommodations . Whether visiting for business or leisure , guests can enjoy the scenic hilly landscapes of Seremban while indulging in the renowned hospitality that defines Royale Chulan Seremban .
( JHEAINS ) to revalidate the Qiblat directions . We have also established our internal MFAR audit team to conduct periodic audits to ensure we comply with MFAR criteria and that standards are maintained or further enhanced .”
For the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration , Royale Chulan Seremban is set to welcome guests with a festive atmosphere featuring halal dining options such as Yee Sang , dim sum , and mocktails inspired by traditional Chinese flavours , along with prayer rooms , themed decorations , lion dance performances , and promotions on WeChat , Weibo , and local social media to engage both Chinese and regional audiences . – RnR

THE Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) is a recognition awarded by Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) to tourism industry players and businesses that have fulfilled specific Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality guidelines .

This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of tourism businesses to address the concerns and needs of Muslim tourists , providing them with a sense of assurance and confidence . The
Silver MFAR Hotels
TOURIST accommodation premises that comply with general MFAR requirements and meet minimum Muslim-friendly requirements .
recognition is a branding and marketing tool to promote businesses to the Muslim tourist market .
ITC has meticulously developed three distinct categories within this recognition – Silver , Gold , and Platinum . Each category is tailored to specific requirements and facilities aligned with essential elements such as prayer facilities , recreational , cleanliness , activities , halal food and beverages , sustainability and service quality . This tiered approach ensures that businesses attaining the MFAR recognition not only meet the expectations of discerning Muslim travellers but also embrace the Muslimfriendly concept .
Gold MFAR Hotels
TOURIST accommodation premises that comply with general MFAR requirements and exceed minimum Muslim-friendly requirements .
Platinum MFAR Hotels
TOURIST accommodation premises that comply with general MFAR requirements and achieve the highest Muslim-friendly requirements .